Jerry James Stone Receives Grant for Food Literacy Show

A new 13-episode television series will promote the consumption of seasonal produce across the country.

Updated on Oct. 16, 2026 in Healthy Food

Bold vector editorial illustration showing an arrangement of fresh seasonal produce, including artichokes and citrus, on a wooden table. — Jerry James Stone received a $440,000 grant from the California Department of Food and Agriculture to produce a 13-episode television series. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Jerry James Stone has been awarded a $440,000 grant from the California Department of Food and Agriculture to produce a new 13-episode television show. The series aims to improve food literacy by teaching viewers how to cook with seasonal produce.

Why it matters

The program seeks to address nutritional gaps, as reports indicate that nine in 10 Americans do not currently eat enough produce. By translating web series content into a broader broadcast format, the show intends to make healthy eating habits more accessible to the public.

The production received a $440,000 grant from the California Department of Food and Agriculture via the USDA Farm Bill to create 13 episodes. The series is based on the existing web program titled What Am I Even Eating?

The players

Jerry James Stone

He is a creator and host recognized for his work on food-focused digital series and culinary media.

California Department of Food and Agriculture

This state agency oversees programs supporting the agricultural industry and food safety throughout California.

Stella Parton

She is a well-known singer, songwriter, and actress who will participate in the upcoming cooking series.

The details

The project will feature appearances by Stella Parton and will be distributed through PBS alongside streaming services such as Amazon Video, Tubi, and Fast TV. Production is slated to begin shortly to prepare for filming in the spring.

Production is scheduled to start in the next few weeks.
Filming for the series will begin in the spring of 2027.
The television show is planned for a fall 2027 premiere.

Culture Shift

The project is funded by the USDA Farm Bill, which provides essential support for agricultural infrastructure and food education initiatives. It reflects a growing societal shift toward integrating digital-first culinary content into traditional television formats to improve public health.

Residents can expect to see increased educational content on healthy eating once the show debuts in 2027. The project aims to make seasonal produce more approachable, potentially influencing how viewers plan their grocery shopping and weekly meal preparation.

The takeaway

This project highlights how digital creators are increasingly accessing traditional public funding to expand the reach of wellness education. Viewers can look for upcoming production updates as the series transitions from web-based content to a broader television audience.